limitations DO exist physically with RSD...

[Guest guest]

Speaking on the subject of 'working on the pain'. Those of us with RSD are in a

little different situation than most as if we go past that threshold of making

the pain any worse at all, we will cause ourselves to actually go backwards

instead of forwards. No one wants that!! The statement that for most conditions

and physical endurance is usually true, " No pain, no gain. " Is NOT true with

RSD!!!!

That is why the RSD specialized physical therapists actually kicked me out of

their program. My sensitivity was so high that the smallest of exercises was

making me incredibly worse. so they said they could no longer work with me and

that the every day ins and outs of getting up to go to the bathroom or to the

bedroom, or like someone mentioned to get a drink from the kitchen or a bite to

eat. I would have to be my physical therapy.

They did express just stretching the muscles gently. Stretching your toes or

legs, and arms. I have noticed on days when I didn't even think about doing

this, my body kind of does it for me. ( I will catch my body making me stretch.

I don't know if you know what I Mean it just kind of starts doing it, like you

see a dog or cat stretching when they wake up.)

I can do very little walking or I know I will be in worse shape for days. I do

walk to the bathroom, or to get myself a drink and even take our pup out once a

day..although sometimes I just stand outside the door and wait for her to go.

But I am not able to even walk inside of a restaurant and back

after the meal as it causes me to be in so much worse pain. This is part of

having RSD when its at its worst..and you have to learn to adjust your life to

it.

So.. to sum up, yes it IS important to still 'move'..but trying to

increase movement isn't something you have to necessarily do.. nor may be ABLE

to ever do.. and there is no reason to let this make you discouraged.

To me, part of coping is knowing where my limitations are..and realizing that

life doesn't stop because of that.. Because there are so many

emotional/spiritual/mental ways that I can exist and 'exercise' to make my life

full..both for myself and mostly for others.

Lynn